What Lies Ahead for the Heavyweight Boxing Scene After Wardley's Big Win?

The British boxer Fabio Wardley has thrust himself into the world title picture after a surprising 11th-round stoppage win against former champion Joseph Parker at London's O2 Arena.

The remarkable win extended Wardley's undefeated record to 21 fights—20 victories and one draw—with an impressive 19 stoppages.

Wardley also took Parker's interim WBO championship and is now positioned for a life-changing opportunity against unbeaten undisputed champion the Ukrainian champion Oleksandr Usyk.

But will Wardley get his shot at the reigning two-division champion?

What other fights are happening? And what other bouts might be possible?

Will Usyk Fight Wardley?

The champion impressed again when stopping Daniel Dubois to become a repeat undisputed heavyweight titleholder in July.

Shortly after that win, the World Boxing Organization mandated the 38-year-old to begin negotiations for a title defense against his mandatory opponent Parker.

But the Ukrainian sustained a back injury and was granted an extended period to begin talks with Parker's team.

Usyk said earlier this month he wanted to fight for another two years but did not plan to step back into the ring in 2025.

The governing body hasn't issued a new order for Usyk to negotiate with his mandatory challenger, but could do so soon following Wardley's victory.

Wardley was vocal about wanting to face the champion next after his latest win.

"I have one thing to say - Usyk, Usyk," he said in his post-fight interview.

Former cruiserweight champion Usyk may even decide to swerve Wardley.

If he does, the organization might strip him of the title and elevate Wardley to champion status.

If that scenario plays out then ex-IBF titleholder Dubois could emerge as a potential opponent for Wardley.

What Fights Do We Know Are Happening?

With the champion still deciding his next fight, the heavyweight division has been on pause.

There are no major championship bouts scheduled in the final two months of 2025.

There is a UK heavyweight championship fight on 29 November when Frazer Clarke faces Jeamie 'TKV' Tshikeva at the Vaillant Arena in Derby.

The bout was originally scheduled for October 25th before Tshikeva suffered an injury.

The rearranged card will be shown live on television and streaming platforms, marking the inaugural show in a fresh collaboration between the broadcaster and promotion company.

When Will Joshua Fight Next?

The boxing world is waiting for news on a fight date for two-time heavyweight champion British star Anthony Joshua.

Joshua has not fought since his devastating fifth-round knockout defeat at the hands of fellow Briton Dubois in September 2024.

The veteran underwent elbow surgery in spring and there have been rumors of a potential December return.

Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn said it's "uncertain if he'll have a tune-up bout this year", but also hinted Joshua could be added to a card in the West Coast in December or possibly to an show in the Middle East late December.

"It might not even be something we announce weeks and weeks before because that defeats the object," Hearn told Ring Magazine.

"He is in the gym and he is staying ready so we could say 'you're out in two weeks in an eight-rounder'."

Joshua has expressed desire to compete in Africa, but it is unlikely he will feature on Matchroom's expected card in Ghana on 20 December.

His dream of fighting on the continent may have to be postponed until early next year.

What's Next for Moses Itauma?

Rising star Moses Itauma is the UK's promising heavyweight talent—but the 20-year-old is yet to finalise his next contest.

Itauma further enhanced his reputation with a first-round stoppage of Dillian Whyte in late summer, extending his perfect record to 13 wins with 11 knockouts.

In the wake of that impressive victory, Itauma was linked with bouts against several top contenders.

Team Itauma were considering a fight in December, with veteran Chisora indicating they might appear together on a December date in Manchester.

But that schedule is uncertain for the fighter from Chatham, who is learning the hard way about boxing politics.

Titleholder Kubrat Pulev was mandated to defend his title against Itauma on October 14th, but the veteran has revealed intentions to fight opponent Murat Gassiev on 12 December.

The WBA order means both sides have 30 days to negotiate a deal.

Queensberry's Frank Warren, who promotes Itauma, told BBC Sport that "Pulev has to fight Moses next with London and Manchester possible host cities".

Itauma has also been mentioned as a possible challenger for the unified champion, but the Ukrainian downplayed those rumours earlier this month.

As for Chisora, he was present at the O2 Arena alongside other heavyweight contenders before Wardley's win over Parker.

Speaking about potential fights and asked if we could see Chisora and Whyte meet for a third time, Chisora said "yes, if the contract is right", before adding that it will "100% happen in December".

Is Fury Really Retired?

Predicting what happens next for Tyson Fury has always been challenging.

The two-time heavyweight champion announced his retirement in winter after losing against Usyk for a second time a month earlier.

Over the past nine months, Fury has hinted at returns then changed his mind.

Fury has expressed interest in fighting Joshua before stating he has achieved everything he wanted to and is content to remain outside the ring.

During a recent interview on FurociTV, Fury said there was "no actual reason for me to go back in the boxing ring".

But the 37-year-old was ringside to watch Wardley's win against associate and sparring partner Parker—and that could have sparked his interest.

Anthony Green
Anthony Green

A passionate gamer and tech writer with over a decade of experience covering video games and emerging trends in interactive entertainment.